Coming Aboard

Posted on Fri May 12th, 2023 @ 7:48am by Captain Allison DeBries & Lt Commander Andrei Persky

ON

The Transporter beam let go as the dark purple wall plating materialised around her. Hazel eyes scanned the room as the operators behind the consoles came to attention.

A shrill whistle sounded a three note motif, as the Enlistedman called out across the room. "Commanding Officer arriving!"

The Boatswain snapped to attention once the task had been done, and an officer all but swaggered into the room. The shoulder boards bore the stripes of a Lieutenant Commander, and the white department band of the quasi-military Intelligence Agency.

That made this man the Political Officer, DeBries realised.

"Welcome aboard, Captain!" The overly enthusiastic handshake was matched by the accented voice.

DeBries gave a broad smile, and conducted the man out into the corridor. "Commander. Such a pleasure to have you on board!" The passage of the pair was quick - the crew in the passageway not wanting to impede their progress.

"It must be nice to get out of an office, and back onboard a ship?" Commander Persky inquired once the lift doors had closed, the emblem of the Empire - a downward sword behind the crest of Earth - split between the two leaves.

"I enjoyed my job." DeBries countered, trying not to sound defensive. "A Chief of Staff gets to see a lot, in terms of operations."

"You do not wish this Command?" Persky's brow furrowed in concern.

DeBries' gave a warm smile to the man. "I hardly said that, Andrei Borisovich. It is indeed good to be a Captain again, in full. To stand on the Bridge, and know the ship is yours. That feeling is never rivalled."

Persky clapped a hand on the back of her shoulder as the doors opened onto the Bridge. "Well! This fine ship could not have a better Commanding Officer! You will perform exceptionally, I am sure!"

The smile from DeBries was broad, and proud, though if anyone looked too close, they would see the eyes were like ice. 'You arrogant bastard. As if I need you to proclaim my worthiness to command, on my own bridge.'

The Watch duty officer had come out of the center seat, and stood at attention at the approach of the two senior officers. "Captain. A pleasure to have you on board, ma'am."

DeBries nodded to the man, checking the time displayed on the main viewscreen. "Thank you, Lieutenant. Please note in the Log that as of 0832 hours today, I have assumed command of the ISS Vengeance.

"As you command, Captain."

"Very good, carry on as you were, Lieutenant, I shall be in my Ready Room should you need me."

OFF